Are Quebec Teachers Allowed to Legally Refuse Work Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic?

In an interview with CTV News, Marc-André Groulx, a lawyer at BCF who specializes in labour and employment law, discusses teachers’ right of refusal in the context of school reopening.

“In our opinion, Quebec teachers cannot refuse to work under Quebec legislation since the situation presents risks, not danger,” explained Marc-André Groulx during the interview.

Under the Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety, a worker must be in the presence of a danger to his health, safety or physical well-being or that would expose another person to a similar danger. Therefore, a distinction must be made between a risk and a danger.

To watch the interview, click here.